Second, as part of the NYR2012 celebrations, the Australian Romance Readers Association is holding a romance reading flash mob
. If you're in Sydney, make sure to come along. We're meeting at 11am on Pyrmont Bridge on Sunday February 12 in Sydney to read romance in public for an hour. Bring along your romance reading material to help show the world we're out and proud - and reading!

Third, if you haven't got your ticket yet, I suggest you move quickly, because this is an event you don't want to miss. Booktopia is proud to be the exclusive event sponsor for the 2012 awards.

What I'm Reading Now: Some readers may know Alison Ahearn as Harlequin Medical author Amy Andrews. She and her sister have co-written Sister Pact a novel about sisters participating in a reality TV show - and it's fantastic.

I'm so thrilled to welcome Shannon Stacey
to the Romance Buzz this month - and even more thrilled that I'm able to introduce print readers to her amazing contemporary romance novels. And you lucky, lucky things - she's got three novels available in three months. I had to wait ages between novels, so I'm incredibly jealous that you get to glut yourself on the Kowalskis in three quick hits. Go ahead - indulge!

1. I wonder, is a romance writer born or made? Please tell us little about your life before publication.

My desire to be a writer kicked in about the time I learned how to scrawl real words on paper in crayon and it was sneaking romances out of my mother's room that set me on the path to romance writing. I finished my first romance when I was about fifteen, but thankfully nobody will ever see that one.

2. For all the glitz and the glam associated with the idea of romance novels, writing about and from the heart is personal and very revealing. Do you think this is why romance readers are such devoted fans? And do you ever feel exposed?

I think romance readers love the genre because it consistently gives them the books they want to read. Trends come and go, so maybe vampires lose ground to cowboys or the billionaire CEO tops the charts but, as a reader, I know I'm going to get a story about love and commitment and, whether it makes me laugh or cry, it's going to end happily. And writing about and from the heart is very personal, but it's not necessary revealing. I don't really feel exposed because the character on the page isn't me and the story being told isn't mine.

3. Please tell us about your latest novel...

I have actually have three books in three months! In January, February and March, my Kowalski series releases in print for the first time.

Three Kowalski men find their happily-ever-afters in this contemporary romance series full of family, fun and falling in love. Joe reconnects with his high school sweetheart during a family camping trip they'll never forget in Exclusively Yours. In Undeniably Yours
, Kevin's life is turned upside-down when the woman he can't forget tells him he's going to be a daddy. And their cousin Sean gets more than he bargains for when he agrees to be Emma Shaw's fake fiancé for a month inYours To Keep.

4. Is the life of a published romance writer... well... romantic?

Romantic in the Barbara Cartland chaise lounge and feather boa kind of way? No. Well, not for me, anyway. But there's a romantic element to being married to a great guy for almost nineteen years, having two amazing sons and actually getting to be what I wanted to be when I grew up.

5. Of all of the romantic moments in your life is there one moment, more dear than all the rest, against which you judge all the romantic elements in your writing? If so can you tell us about that special moment?

I'm married to a man who's not very good at romantic gestures so, rather than one moment, I have two decades of the "little things" that aren't really so little. The romance elements I strive for in my writing are the building blocks of my own marriage and the relationships surrounding us: family, loyalty, a good sense of humour, loving children without reserve. My heroes, though, are generally a little better at the romantic gestures.

6. Sex in romance writing today ranges from 'I can't believe they're allowed to publish this stuff' explicit to 'turn the light back on I can see a thing' mild. How important do you think sex is in a romance novel?

I personally like a little sex in my romance because I feel sexual compatibility's a big part of buying into the happily ever after. And, whether the scene is gritty or emotional or fun, having sex changes the dynamic of a couple and I want to see it on the page. That said, I'd hesitate to use the word "important" because many wonderful books are written without the presence of sex scenes.

7. Romance writers are often romance readers - please tell us your five favourite (read and re-read) romance Novels or five novels that influenced your work most?

A Knight in Shining Armorby Jude Devereaux was an early favourite I've re-read many times, though I'm not much of a re-reader. (I've never read the updated version with the "new" ending.) Kiss An Angel by Susan Elizabeth Phillips.
The Taming by Jude Devereaux (her books were my constant companions in my younger days). Montana Sky by Nora Roberts. Pretty much any book written by Linda Lael Miller.

8. Paranormal Romance writing is 'so hot right now', do you have any thoughts on why?

I'm not a big paranormal reader, though I do have a few series I like, but I think if people read romances to "escape", paranormal romances are the ultimate getting away. The rich world building, ultimate bad boys, higher stakes and large casts of characters invite readers to themselves in the books.

9. Lastly, what advice do you give aspiring writers?

Know what your goal is and work for it. And it'll be hard work, but don't be tempted by the shortcuts and instant gratification today's technology offers. Keep your eye on what you want, keeping honing your craft and learning the industry and you can make it happen.

It's a reader's market this month with more great historical romances than you can shake a duke at!

TWO DEBUTS TO WATCH

Give yourself and a budding author a Valentine's Day treat this year by supporting new romance - check out one of these debut novels!

Heather Snow - Sweet EnemyStand-out detail to pique your interest: The heroine is a chemist at a time when women weren't allowed to think about anything else but their bonnets. And she uses her skill to help trap a killer. Who just happens to be the father of our potential hero.

The under-appreciated Shana Galen channels the bodice rippers of yore in both title and cover in her new novel - the finale of her Sons of the Revolution series about three brothers rebuilding their lives after the French Revolution.

He is a notorious privateer who's about to cross swords (and more!) with an admiral's daughter.

If you haven't yet read Sarah MacLean
, you are missing out on one of the freshest, funniest voices in romance fiction. I adored her Love by Numbers trilogy, and can't wait to get my teeth intoA Rogue by Any Other Name - the first in her new The First Rule of Scoundrels series.

He was cast from society with the only thing they couldn't take - his title. Now he's the uncrowned king of the underworld, and he will use all his tricks, power, and anger to regain his rightful inheritance. Even marrying the most proper lady in London. Except it turns out the lady isn't quite as proper as she seems - and she's desperate to delve into all things improper.

Booktopia Price: $8.80SAVE 45%Click here for more information or to buy A Rogue By Any Other NameI think every romance reader must have an author like Carolyn Jewel - someone they just adore, and can't figure out why she hasn't hit the upper echelons of Romance Writing Aristocracy. Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to read one of her novels. I promise, you won't be disappointed. Maybe her latest one?

Lily has no intention of falling in love - particularly with her recently widowed, best friend's brother. Who knows if it is her own playful nature, his outlandish behaviour, or the magic wrapped up in a gypsy medallion - but it looks like even the best laid plans are about to go astray.

Oh readers, it gives me such joy to see so many contemporary romances out this month! The Publishing Gods have been listening to my pleas!

REDWOOD BEND

RAINSHADOW ROAD

Robyn Carr returns to
Virgin River for yet another happy-ever-after ending in this (growing exponentially) small town.

Katie Malone, widowed with two young sons, makes the trek across the country to be closer to the only family she has left - but a chance encounter with a teenage-heartthrob-turned-pilot means a second chance to start a family of her own.

It's back to contemporary romance for historical superstar
Lisa Kleypas, as she continues her Friday Harbour series.

Lucy's life is one betrayal after another: her fiance leaves her for her sister. Then her new chance at love turns out to be under false pretenses. With so many mistakes, broken promises, and fears, it's hard for Lucy to believe that anything can be both beautiful and strong.

Having spent a fair share of my time in hockey arenas, I gotta be honest - I look at this cover and all I think is, 'Eek! Cold! Put some clothes on, dammit!'. Luckily we know Deirdre Martin is going to deliver on the heat in her latest New York Blades/Irish crossover where an Irish boy-made-good has to fight to win back the girl he left behind.

Susan Donovan follows up her
Cheri on Top novel with a sequel about Cheri's best friend Candance. Candy is down on her luck, but not so down that she considers her move back to her tiny home town a good thing. Except maybe for the sheriff. He definitely falls into the 'pro' side of the list.

I think you should all commend me on not throwing in a second comma in this title, because I really really really want to. MaryJanice Davidson wouldn't mind, would she? FBI Agent Cadence is back with troubles beyond finding the perfect Christmas gift for her boyfriend - a serial killer appears to have blown into town, and she needs to stop him before he kills again.

Shiloh Walker
brings her super-suspenseful Ash trilogy to a close with this February release.

She's on a quest for vengeance - and she doesn't scare easily. But he is watching her, all the time, her every move, waiting patiently until the time is right. She may not be scared - but she should be.

It's all about the antipodeans this month - new Nalini Singh and a debut novel from an Aussie to watch!

ANGELS' FLIGHT

The Guild Hunters are back, as
Nalini Singh combines her short stories from this universe into one easy compendium. If you haven't read them, this is a great way to get some back story, some alternate stories, and just immerse yourself more deeply into the GH universe.

From studs and elves to mermaids:
MaryJanice Davidson
returns to the sea and Fred the cranky mermaid with an allergy to fish.

Now that the Underwater Folk are no longer a secret, will Fred and
Thomas finally be able to make a permanent connection? Well, the path to
true love always did have its share of puddles.Our Price: $16.50SAVE 45%Click here to buyUnderwater Love

A PERFECT BLOOD

TIMELESS

Kim Harrison returns to
The Hallows as Rachel Morgan begins to realise the winding path her life has taken hasn't only affected her. Her unique blood, her unique heritage has made her a target for a horrifying project. Someone wants to create their own demons - and they need her to do it.

YAY! New Gail Carriger
month is all the Valentine's Day gift I need - apart from the flowers I expect from my husband of course. Alexia is settling into domestic life as best she can - which, let's face it, isn't necessarily going to be recognisable as domestic life, when she is summoned to Egypt and the Alexandra Hive. And, being Alexia, you know she never passes up the opportunity for adventure!

It's always such a pleasure to introduce a new Aussie talent - and I've known
Kylie Griffin for years, so it's equally wonderful to see all her hard work pay off! If you're looking for your paranormal with some fantasy mixed in, this is your author. Support your local talent! And enjoy!!

Annika is born out of hatred and retribution, and her life is one of torment. But she has a secret gift and a plan for escape. Kalan is the leader of her people's sworn enemy - and her one chance to live a life of more than just misery and pain.

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